Russian President Vladimir Putin used a major patriotic holiday Monday to again justify his war in Ukraine but did not declare even a limited victory or signal where the conflict was headed, as his forces pressed their offensive with few signs of significant progress.

The Russian leader oversaw a Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, with troops marching in formation, military hardware on display, and a brass band blaring to mark the Soviet Union’s role in the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany.

But his much-anticipated speech offered no new insights into how he intended to salvage the grinding war — and instead stuck to allegations that Ukraine posed a threat to Russia, even though Moscow’s nuclear-armed forces are far superior in numbers and firepower. He steered clear of battlefield specifics — failing to mention the potentially pivotal battle for the vital port of Mariupol or even uttering the word “Ukraine.”

The man behind the wheel of the car that barreled through crowds of pedestrians in New York City’s Times Square, killing a woman and injuring 22 other people, is finally headed to trial after various delays over five years, including pandemic-induced court shutdowns.

Opening statements are expected Monday in the trial of Richard Rojas, a 31-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who told police after his arrest that he had been smoking marijuana laced with the hallucinogenic drug PCP before plowing through helpless tourists in 2017 at the Manhattan landmark known as “the crossroads of the world.”

Rojas’ trial, in state court in Manhattan, is expected to take several months.

The St. Thomas Undergraduate Student Government approved the creation of the Automotive Competition and Stomp N Shake cheer clubs Thursday, April 28 during its general council meeting at Scooter’s.

Director of Student Retention and Success Tonia Jones Peterson was the meeting’s guest speaker. USG also reviewed finances.

Zachary Knapp can be reached at knap4186@stthomas.edu.